The Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, says his administration is working to close long-standing gaps in administration, strengthen institutions, improve service delivery and respond to the legitimate expectations of residents.

According to the governor, his administration will not tolerate indiscipline, truancy, or any act capable of jeopardising the government’s desire to enhance good governance and ensure dividends of democracy.

At an event to inaugurate the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission members, Local Government Service Commission members, anti-corruption commission members, the solicitor general, the permanent secretary of the ministry of justice, special assistants and senior special assistants, the governor urged his critics to understand that a strong state is not built by one governor, administration or institution but when everyone entrusted with responsibility performs his duty with sincerity, competence and integrity.

‘Today, we are not merely filling offices; we are entrusting responsibilities, as your appointment is an honour, but more importantly, it is a call to duty,” he said.

“You are coming into public service at a time when our State is working to close long-standing gaps, strengthen institutions, improve service delivery, and respond to the legitimate expectations of our people.”

He stressed that the task is demanding, as governance is not a place for spectators, nor is it an arena for personal entitlement.

“It is serious work and requires judgement, discipline, courage, patience and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said. “Many people observe government from a distance and imagine that leadership is easy, but those who serve soon discover that every decision has consequences, every delay affects lives, and every failure of responsibility weakens public confidence.”

“That is why I urge you to see yourselves first and foremost as builders. You have not been appointed simply to occupy positions.

You have been appointed to help build institutions that are stronger than individuals, more enduring than political seasons, and more dependable than personal influence.

“A strong State is not built by one Governor, one administration, or one institution. It is built when every person entrusted with responsibility performs his or her duty with sincerity, competence, and integrity. For members of TSIEC, your credibility must be beyond doubt.

The legitimacy of an electoral process depends greatly on the fairness, neutrality, and professionalism of those who manage it.

He said, “For the Local Government Service Commission, your assignment is central to effective governance at the grassroots. You must help build a local government system that is disciplined, capable, responsive, and focused on the needs of the people.

“For the Anti-Corruption Commission, your duty is not only to investigate wrongdoing; it is also to promote prevention, transparency, ethical conduct, and prudent management of public resources. Accountability must be firm, fair, and free from personal or political considerations.”

“For the special advisers and senior special assistants, I ask you to make your offices centres of solutions, not centres of rivalry, delay or unnecessary bureaucracy. Do not wait for instructions on every matter; understand your mandate.

“These are the standards by which your service will be judged. You must also rise above division; ethnicity, religion, political differences, and personal ambition must never be allowed to weaken your work.

“Taraba State belongs to all of us, and every community deserves fairness, respect, and responsible service. I expect professionalism, punctuality, proper documentation, financial discipline, respect for due process, and measurable outcomes. Our administration will give you the support necessary to succeed; in return, we will demand accountability, performance, and loyalty to the public interest.”

“Study the law establishing your institution, ask the right questions, identify the problems before you, develop practical solutions, measure your performance, and always remember that public office exists for the benefit of the public,” the governor said.

“Leadership is not defined by title, convoy, or access; Leadership is the willingness to accept responsibility and produce results. At the end of your tenure, the important question will not be the office you held. It will be the difference you made.”

He, however, asked the appointees questions as it relates to their prowess.

“Did you strengthen the institution? Did you improve public confidence? Did you solve problems? Did you improve public confidence? Let me also remind you that public office is temporary, but the impact of public decisions can endure for generations; therefore, let your oath today be more than a legal formality

“Let it be a personal covenant to serve honestly, lead responsibly, and protect the trust placed in you. The challenges before us are real, but so are our opportunities.

“Taraba is blessed with resilient people, abundant resources, and enormous potential. What is required is for each of us to do our part with sincerity and commitment. When institutions work, the State progresses. When leaders take responsibility, confidence grows. When public servants act with integrity, the people believe again.

“So, as you assume your duties today, I charge you to be fair in your decisions, be courageous in the defence of what is right, be humble enough to listen, be disciplined enough to act, and be determined to leave behind institutions that will continue to serve the people long after your tenure has ended.

“You have been given an opportunity to serve; use it well. You have been entrusted with responsibility. Justify that trust. You have been called to help build Taraba. Build with honour.”

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, the Chairman of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission, Job Aji, expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that they would faithfully uphold the oath of office and discharge their responsibilities with dedication. (Channels TV)

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